Livid Instruments Debuts DIY ‘Builder Box’ MIDI Controller Kits

Livid Instruments has announced Builder Boxes, a series of Do-It-Yourself kits that include everything needed to build a MIDI controller. Kits include a “Button Box” MIDI controller equipped with sixteen buttons, along with a “Fader Box” controller outfitted with eight sliders.Fader Box. The Fader Box is a DIY kit that includes everything needed to build a MIDI controller with eight 30mm faders.

The Fader Box is a class-compliant USB MIDI controller which can be used to control audio, video, lighting, and more. The box is powered by a Brain Jr. and the MIDI settings can be customized using the Brain Configure editor. Fader Box ships unassembled and requires soldering and assembly with instructions in a downloadable step-by-step guide. Once built, the user can MIDI map in their favorite software or use one of Livid Instruments’ templates or scripts (free).

Fader Box Specifications:

8 30mm faders

USB powered

Plug & Play

Sends & receives MIDI

Works with any software that supports MIDI

4.5 x 5 x 2.5 ” (LxWxH fully built)

Kit Includes:

1x Brain Jr.

1x Omni Board

Wire

8x 30mm Faders

8x Battle Style Fader Knobs

8x .01uF Ceramic Capacitors

Fader Box Housing

Screws, nuts, and spacers for assembly

USB Cable

Button Box. The Button Box is a DIY kit that includes “everything you need” to build a MIDI controller with 16 button pads. Button Box is a class compliant USB MIDI controller and can be used to control audio, video, lighting, and more.

Button Box is powered by a Brain Jr. micro controller platform, and the MIDI settings can be customized using the Brain Configure editor. Button Box ships un-assembled and requires soldering and assembly with instructions (available from Livid Instruments’ site). Once built, MIDI map in your favorite software or use one of our free templates or scripts to start playing.

Button Box Specifications:

16 button pads

Blue LED backlights

USB powered

Plug & Play

Sends & receives MIDI

Works with any software that supports MIDI

4.5 x 5 x 2.5 ” (LxWxH fully built)

Black powder coated aluminum housing

Kit Includes:

1x Brain Jr.

1x Omni Board

8″ Copper wire

16x Blue LEDs

16x Single Omni Buttons

1x 4×4 Spacer Layer for Omni Keypads

Button Box Housing

Screws, nuts, and spacers for assembly

Adhesive rubber feet

USB Cable

Pricing and Availability. Both Builder Box models are available now. Normally priced at $129.99 each, the Fader Box and the Button Box are currently available at an introductory price of $99 apiece. To purchase, or for more information, consult the Livid Instruments website.

Since it is based around the Brain Jr., it is USB-only. But it does make for a turn-key project with that board.

I would love to see a similar thing for Highly Liquid’s MIDI CPU where they put together even a parts list and good instructions to build controllers that have MIDI din i/o. The MIDI CPU has the advantage of being able to merge incoming MIDI with its out stream. However, Highly Liquid is a little less beginner-friendly.